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Purpose & Achievements

Exploring the Physical World

From the earth beneath our feet to the stars we wish upon, the physical world around us is still a mystery – and the Weizmann Institute’s curiosity-driven scientists are working to understand it.

In a world’s first, our archaeologists discovered a way to precisely identify and analyze prehistoric ashes, and found a highly pure, well-preserved source of DNA in fossilized bone.

Our materials scientists and structural biologists found that bone and shell actually form in similar ways. Our astrophysicists actually watched – for the first time – as a massive star, later estimated at a mass of perhaps 200 suns, went supernova and became a black hole.

Our hydrologists created a model of groundwater movement that can aid development of sound environmental policy, such as after an oil spill.

From learning about the past to shaping the future, the Weizmann Institute of Science is exploring new frontiers to reveal how the world works.

Weizmann by the Numbers

  • Our scientists identified a potentially habitable planet just four light years away

  • We found that more than 50% of the dust fertilizing the Amazon rainforest comes from one African valley

  • Over 800 simulations revealed that Earth՚s one moon may be made from many smaller moons

    Highlights

    21.04.2023

    The Age of Screen Enlightenment

    ​A collaborative study of a key property of light may help double screen luminescence
    13.04.2023

    Across the Universe: Israeli Tech to Reach Deep Space for the First Time

    The Ultra Stable Oscillator, designed for an experiment led by Weizmann Institute scientists, is at the forefront of ESA’s JUICE mission to Jupiter
    26.03.2023

    New Eyes on the Sky

    The most powerful survey telescope in the world is being constructed in the south of Israel
    21.02.2023

    NASA to Launch Israel’s First Space Telescope Mission, ULTRASAT

    A Weizmann Institute of Science and Israel Space Agency flagship, the instrument will enter orbit in 2026; it’s expected to revolutionize research of the universe
    24.01.2023

    Blurring the boundaries

    Inspired by biology, physicist Dr. Alexandra Tayar is transforming material science
    17.08.2022

    Hooked on space

    For Staff Scientist Dr. David Polishook, there’s always been something about space